Rory McIlroy has become the first golfer to win back-to-back Masters titles since Tiger Woods, after a dramatic Sunday at Augusta National. McIlroy, who had built a six-stroke lead at the halfway point, found himself two strokes behind early in the final round. However, he responded with consecutive birdies and briefly took a three-stroke lead.
Despite a late surge from Justin Rose and Scottie Scheffler, McIlroy held on to win by one stroke, finishing with a one-under 71 and a total score of 12 under. This victory marks McIlroy's sixth major title, putting him in the company of golfing legends such as Jack Nicklaus, Sir Nick Faldo, and Woods. McIlroy's win also sees him join an elite group of 15 golfers who have won six or more major championships. The 36-year-old avoided a repeat of last year's late stumble, where he squandered a four-shot lead, to take the title and cement his position as one of the world's top golfers.
The PGA Tour now heads to South Carolina for the RBC Heritage, while the next men's major, the PGA Championship, is scheduled to take place from May 14-17 at Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania.